Holding device for knives

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a holding device for knives comprising at least one housing for a knife. The aim of the invention is to avoid as much as possible that the holding device gets dirty. Therefore, the holding device ( 1, 50, 80 ) comprises base elements ( 2, 51, 81 )which can be assembled and which define at least one housing ( 9, 65, 85 ).

[0001] The invention concerns a holding device for knives according tothe preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Holding devices for knives are known in various designs andtypes. Depending on their design, such holding devices may be made fromvarious materials such as wood, plastic, ceramic, or metal. Among these,a fundamental distinction must be made between movable holding devicesor receptacles and fixedly installed holding devices for knives. Thelatter holding devices are attached, in particular, to walls or cabinetsand are frequently designed as simple strips on which the knives areheld by their blades, for instance, by magnetic attraction. Often theholding force is inadequate. Another disadvantage is usually unlimitedaccess for children and the resulting risk of injury. In addition, thereis a further risk potential in that even slight contact may result inrelease of the knives from the holders. Moreover, the installation ofthe knife holders is often possible only in inadequately accessiblelocations. Thus, access to the knives may be inconvenient.

[0003] Movable holding devices or receptacles in the form of knifeblocks that accommodate the sharp knife blades by surrounding them avoidsome of the disadvantages of the aforementioned stationery holdingdevices. Such knife blocks are made, for instance, of wood and haveslots that are adapted to the blade geometry.

[0004] The knife blades are inserted into the knife blocks far enoughthat the knife handles rest with one end on the knife block. Frequently,these knife blocks are designed such that the slots to accommodate theknives form an angle of approximately 45° with the bottom surface of theknife block. The advantage here is improved handling of the knives.Also, the knife blocks may be readily moved to the respective locationwhere they are to be used. Thus, the knife blocks may be used on akitchen table, for instance, during food preparation or may also beplaced near a sink in order to clean the knives before use.

[0005] A disadvantage with such knife blocks is the insertion of theblades into the narrow slots. In addition, the slots are frequently openon only one end, such that moisture or food residues remaining on theblades before the insertion of the knife may collect in the slots forthe blades. Even if the slots are open at both ends, the problem ofinadequate cleaning of the slots exists. Over a relatively long periodof time this results in unacceptable soiling and ultimately leads topossible bacterial contamination. Moreover, there is the disadvantagethat knives inserted in knife blocks may be too easily removed bychildren.

[0006] Consequently, the object of the invention is to design a holdingdevice for knives such that soiling is avoided as much as possible.Besides that, the holding device should be modular in construction andthus disassemblable.

[0007] The characterizing features of claim 1 accomplish the object.

[0008] The invention brings the advantage that the modular holdingdevice for knives has no areas inaccessible for cleaning and,consequently, growth of pathogens can be prevented. Additionally, theholding device according to the invention can be readily cleanedmanually or in an automatic washing device.

[0009] Further advantages are presented in the dependent claims.

[0010] The inventive holding device for knives includes basic elementsarrangeable relative to each other that define at least one receptaclefor knives. According to the invention, one receptacle can be formed ineach case by two adjacent basic elements. The knives may thus be simplyinserted into the holding device and are, nevertheless, held thereby ina mechanically stable manner. Provision is made in the invention toarrange at least two basic elements next to each other. It is, however,also preferably possible to link a plurality such as three, four, orfive basic elements to each other such that, accordingly, three, four,or five receptacles are defined, preferably surrounded, respectively, bytwo adjacent basic elements.

[0011] The basic elements may also have an additional receptacle forknives. The receptacle and/or the additional receptacle is designedaccording to the invention as a slot for a knife blade, whereby the slotruns all the way through the holding device in one direction, preferablyalong its longitudinal axis. This yields the advantage that moisture candrain from the slots.

[0012] According to the invention, at least two basic elements arereleasably linked to each other. The basic elements may be linked byguide elements that are designed preferably as dovetail guides. Basicelements that can be snapped to each other and/or screwed to each otherare also conceivable. Here, it is advantageous that basic elementsshowing signs of wear may be replaced without the use of an expensivetool.

[0013] The holding device includes at least one sharpening steel. Oneembodiment of the present invention also has a locking element thatsecures the knives against removal in a first position and permitsremoval of the knives in a second position. The locking element forms,according to the invention, a stop for the knife handles. The lockingelement may generally in the first position be frictionally and/orform-fittingly linked with the knife handles. This yields the advantagethat the holding device according to the invention can be used even inreadily accessible locations without risk for unauthorized individuals,in particular, children.

[0014] Provision is advantageously made by the invention to arrange thebasic elements in a ring shape such that they delimit a hollow spacewith a circular cross-section. However, an arrangement that surrounds ahollow space with a square cross-section or with any polyhedralcross-section is also conceivable. The locking element may be designedas a locking cap for the hollow space. The locking element may also bedesigned as a rod-shaped pivoting part that preferably includes a columndesigned as a sharpening steel. The column penetrates into the hollowspace. Advantageously, the knives can be sharpened in a simple mannerupon removal from the holding device.

[0015] Another embodiment provides for arranging the basic elements in astraight line and thus designing the holding device advantageously as awall holder for knives. Here, the basic elements can form a flat surfacewith reduced risk of soiling on the side facing away from the wall. Withthe straight-line arrangement of the basic elements, the locking elementcan preferably be pushed longitudinally through the basic elementsbetween a securing position and a releasing position. The lockingelement may also include a sharpening steel.

[0016] According to the invention, the basic elements may be designed asbent sheet-metal parts and/or as molded plastic parts. The advantagehere lies in the simple manufacture of the holding device, which enablesproduction of large quantities. The inventive holding device may bedesigned either from one type of basic element or from a combination ofthe two types. Moreover, provision is made to integrate supplementalelements into the holding device in addition to the basic elements or tomodify the basic elements. Such supplemental elements, preferablydesigned as injection molded plastic parts, may be used to accommodateadditional tableware, such as teaspoons, spoons, or forks. Thesupplemental elements may also accommodate kitchen utensils, inparticular, peelers, for instance, for peeling potatoes or asparagus. Itis, however, also conceivable to accommodate openers, preferably bottleopeners. Furthermore, the invention includes accommodation of condimentcontainers. This yields the special advantage of individualized modularconstruction of a holding device depending on need and purpose or placeof use.

[0017] The invention is explained in detail in the following withreference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] They depict:

[0019]FIG. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventiveholding device,

[0020]FIG. 2 a side view of a holding device corresponding to theembodiment of FIG. 1, in a different scale,

[0021]FIG. 3 a top view of the inventive holding device of FIG. 2, notto scale,

[0022]FIG. 4 a top view of a locking element of the inventive holdingdevice of FIG. 3,

[0023]FIG. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention,

[0024]FIG. 6 a perspective view of a basic element of the holding deviceof FIG. 5,

[0025]FIG. 7 a view of a basic element of FIG. 6,

[0026]FIG. 8 a perspective view of another locking element, in adifferent scale, and

[0027]FIG. 9 a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

[0028] According to FIG. 1, a holding device 1 for knives according tothe invention is constructed from basic elements 2 linked with eachother. The basic elements 2 are substantially right-angled bent partsmade from sheet metal or, preferably, stainless steel, that are bentalong the longitudinal axis to delimit an angle, preferably an acuteangle. The basic elements 2 have, according to FIGS. 1, 2, a preferablyrounded recess 4 in one transverse edge 3 that is bounded on both sidesby a foot section 5. According to the invention, the recess may,according to FIG. 2, also have a straight central section 4 a.

[0029] According to FIG. 1, the basic elements 2 surround, with folds 6,a hollow space 7 with a substantially circular cross-section. The basicelements 2 are linked by their folds 6 by two connecting elements. Theconnecting elements are preferably provided on the end facing the feetsections and the end facing away from the feet sections. The connectingelements are preferably implemented as rings 8 (FIG. 3). The connectionof the basic elements 2 with the rings is implemented as a snap or screwconnection. The basic elements 2 are connected to each other such that areceptacle in the form of a slot 9 is present in each case between theouter edges 2 a and 2 b.

[0030] In a section 9 a facing the foot sections 5, an assembly element10 is applied in each case between two basic elements 2. The assemblyelement 10 is linked with the surrounding basic elements 2, preferablysnapped in or screwed, as depicted in FIG. 2. The assembly element 10 ispreferably made from a hard material, for instance a metal or evenPlexiglas [™]. According to FIG. 3, the assembly element 10 passesthrough the slot 9, preferably not completely, but is only provided onthe outward opening. Above the assembly element 10, the outer edges 2 a,2 b of the basic element 2 are bent outward from each other expandingthe opening 11 of the slot 9. Preferably, the outer edges 2 a, 2 b bentoutward away from each other in an edge region of the basic elements 2surround an acute angled receiving section 12. One end 2 c of each basicelement 2 is bounded on its outward edges by projections 13.

[0031] Provision is made according to the invention to guide the bladesof knives that are to be accommodated in the holding device through thereceiving section 12 into the slot 9. The knives are inserted at anangle of roughly 45° relative to the longitudinal axis of the holdingdevice 1. Preferably, the cutting-edge of the knife blade is turned awayfrom the user.

[0032] According to FIG. 2, a knife handle 14 rests in a stationaryposition with a lower edge 15 on the top edge 2 c of two adjacent basicelements 2. The knife handle 14 rests against the projection 13,blocking outward radial movement. The knife handle 14 is then broughtinto contact with a locking element 16 in the center of the holdingdevice 1. The locking element is, according to FIG. 2, designed as thehandle 16 of a knife sharpening or grinding steel 17 depicted in FIG. 8.The handle 16 has, according to the invention, arched recesses 18. In aremoval position, the arched recesses 18 are not in contact with thehandles 14 of inserted knives.

[0033] According to the invention, the sharpening steel can be pivotedfrom a removal position into a locking position, whereby peripheralbulges 19 located between the arched recesses 18 protrude into recesses20 on the knife handle. A bottom surface 19 a of a peripheral bulge 19rests firmly against an outside surface segment 21 in the region of therecess 20 of the knife handle. The sharpening steel depicted in FIG. 8has a rod-shaped sharpening section 22.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 4, the locking element can be designed as a locking cap 22 to sealthe hollow space 7. The locking cap 22 can preferably be connectedform-fittingly, and possibly be placed therein by a permanent snap-inconnection. The locking cap 22 has, around its periphery, recesses 23with pressure edges 24 located between them. The pressure edges 24 restagainst the outside surface segment 21, whereas, in contrast, when therecesses 23 are positioned opposite the knife handle 14, removal of theknife is possible.

[0035]FIG. 5 depicts a further embodiment of the inventive holdingdevice 50 for knives and the like formed from basic elements 51 andsupplemental elements 52 corresponding thereto. According to theinvention, the basic elements 51 and the supplemental elements 52 areinterchangeable with each other and are preferably injection moldedplastic parts. The holding device 50 has, preferably, a circularcross-section. According to FIG. 7, the supplemental element 52 has across-section in the shape of a circular segment with two flat surfaces53 and 54 at right angles to each other as well as a circular peripheralsection 55. According to FIG. 6, a preferably rounded recess 57transitioning into a support section 56 connects from a top edge 52 a ofthe supplemental element 52 along the longitudinal axis. Thesupplemental element 52 has an inside bore 58 opening on the supportsection 56 running along its longitudinal axis. Handles of householdutensils such as a bottle opener or an asparagus peeler and the like canbe inserted into the bore 58.

[0036] The basic elements 51 and supplemental elements 52 have, in asection 52 a facing a base surface, projections 60, 61 protruding on thelongitudinal surfaces 53, 54. Snap webs 62 running along thelongitudinal axis protrude from the projections 61. According to FIG. 5,in the assembled state, the snap webs 62 are accommodated bycorresponding grooves in the projections 60.

[0037] A collar segment 63 on the top 52 a of the supplemental element52 and of the basic element 51 has projections 63 a, 63 b protrudingbeyond the longitudinal surfaces 53 and 54. The projections 63 a haveprotruding snap noses 64. The snap noses 64 are accommodated by openings(not shown) in the projection 63 b of a corresponding adjacent basicelement. According to FIG. 5, a slot 65 is produced by abutting orconnecting the snap noses 64 and the snap webs 62 with the correspondinggrooves and openings, after joining the basic elements 51 orsupplemental elements 52 between two basic elements 51 in each caseand/or supplemental elements 52. The slot 65 opens into an upper section50 a of the holding device with an obliquely widening opening area onthe peripheral surface of the holding device. In the lower section 50 bof the holding device toward the bottom surface 59, the slot continuesto the bottom surface, preferably in the interior of the holding deviceconcealed from the outside.

[0038] According to FIG. 5, the basic elements 51 and/or thesupplemental elements 52 surround a hollow space 66 with a circularcross-section designed to accommodate the sharpening steel according toFIG. 8. The basic element 51 has on a top end 51 a a circumferentialcollar 51 c. According to FIG. 5, the supplemental element 52 has, onthe top end 52 a, on peripheral sections 55 a, 55 b that surround therecess 57, in each case, a projection 67. Knives introduced into theslot 65 rest according to FIG. 2 with their handles 14 against theprojections 67 or the collars 51 c.

[0039] Another embodiment of the inventive holding device 80 has asbasic elements preferably rectangular hollow profiles 81 that are hungby openings 82 in outer surfaces 81 a, 81 b, in [?sic] a wall mountingrod 83. Coupling elements 84 are installed between outer surfaces 81 a,81 b, preferably snapped, pressed into each other, or screwed. Accordingto FIG. 9, a slot 85 designed to accommodate knife blades is locatedabove the coupling element 84. Toward the top end 81 c of the basicelements, the outer surfaces 81 a, 81 b have in each case holes 86through which a rod-like retaining element 87 can be guided. In theinserted state, the retaining element 87 prevents the removal of knivesthat are located in the slot 85. The retaining element 87 may preferablybe designed as a sharpening steel.

[0040] The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodimentsdescribed, which may be modified in numerous ways. Accordingly, theinventive holding device according to FIGS. 1, 5 may also be configuredwith a number of basic elements 2, 51 and/or supplemental elements 52other than that depicted. Circular joining of, for instance, six basicelements or supplemental elements that enables accommodation of sixknives, is conceivable. Of course, the basic elements 2 are thenimplemented as bent sheet metal parts, each of which encloses an angleof 60°. The rings 8 that are installed in the hollow space of theholding device may also be attached to the basic elements in a mannerother than that described. The type of connection is determined by thetype of material of the basic elements 2.

[0041] The assembly element 10 that is introduced into the slot 9 maypass radially through the slot 9 until reaching the fold 6 in the basicelements 2. Also, within the framework of the invention, provision maybe made to mount a sharpening steel on a top end 10 a. The sharpeningsteel (not shown) may then be used to grind or sharpen the blades ineach case at the time of insertion of the knife blade into the slot 9.

[0042] The basic elements 2 may, as depicted in FIG. 3, also include adouble fold that makes contacts with the rings 8 on an intermediatestraight wall section 2 d and is connected thereto. According to theinvention, the basic elements 2 may also be covered by a plasticcoating.

[0043] Of course, within the framework of the invention the lockingelement that prevents unauthorized removal of the knives from theholding device is adapted to the geometry of the knife handles. If thelocking element according to FIG. 4 is implemented as a locking cap 22,it is also possible to attach the locking cap 22 to the holding device 1by screw threads or mating threads. It is also conceivable for thelocking cap 22 to have a central bore to accommodate a rod-shapedsharpening steel.

[0044] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 5, 6 it is also conceivablegive the recesses 57 a shape other than round. Provision is made withinthe framework of the invention to adapt the shape of the recess to theutensil to be inserted into the opening 58. The basic elements 51 andthe supplemental elements 52 of the holding device according to FIG. 5through 7 are preferably provided, within the framework of theinvention, as injection molded parts. The selection of a differentmaterial such as wood or metal, for instance, is also possible. Thelinkage by means of grooves and/or snap noses may also be replaced by acorrespondingly releasable connection in the area 52 b.

[0045] Of course, the top end 2 c of the elements 2 according to FIGS.1, 2 may not run at a right angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Itis conceivable for the top ends 2 c to slope outward at a sharp anglefrom the hollow space 7.

[0046] And finally, of course, the individual characteristics of theinvention may also be used in combinations other than those describedabove.

1. A holding device for knives with at least one receptacle for knives,characterized in that said holding device (1, 50, 80) comprises basicelements (2, 51, 81) which are joinable together in line and define atleast one receptacle (9, 65, 85).
 2. The holding device according toclaim 1, characterized in that between said adjacent basic elements (2,51, 81) respectively one receptacle (9, 65, 85) is formed.
 3. Theholding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that certainbasic elements comprise respectively a further receptacle.
 4. Theholding device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatsaid at least one receptacle (9, 65, 85) and/or said further receptacleis formed as a receiving slot for a knife blade, whereby said receivingslot completely penetrates said holding device into one direction. 5.The holding device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized insaid basic elements (2, 51, 81) are detachably connected to one another.6. The holding device according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatsaid basic elements (2, 51, 81) are connectable to one another and/orpluggable and/or screwable together (8) via guide elements.
 7. Theholding device according to claim 6, characterized in that said guideelements are formed as dovetail guides.
 8. The holding device accordingto claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said holding device (1, 50, 80)comprises at least one knife sharpener.
 9. The holding device accordingto one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said holding device (1,50, 80) comprises a blocking element (17, 22, 87) which in a firstposition (19, 24) safeguards said knives against removal and in a secondposition (18, 23) allows the removal of said knives.
 10. The holdingdevice according to claim 9, characterized in that said blocking element(17, 22, 87) forms a stopper in said first position (19, 24).
 11. Theholding device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that saidblocking element (17, 22, 87) comprises a knife sharpener.
 12. Theholding device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thatsaid basic elements (2, 51) are lined up in circles.
 13. The holdingdevice according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that saidbasic elements (2, 51) define a hollow space (7, 66).
 14. The holdingdevice according to claim 13, characterized in that said hollow space(7) comprises a polyhedron cross section.
 15. The holding deviceaccording to claim 13, characterized in that said hollow space (66)comprises a circular cross section.
 16. The holding device according toone of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that said blocking element isformed as a closing cap (22) for said hollow space (7).
 17. The holdingdevice according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that saidblocking element (17, 22) forms a rotary member.
 18. The holding deviceaccording to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said basicelements (81) are lined up in a straight line.
 19. The holding deviceaccording to claim 18, characterized in that said basic elements (81)form a plain face.
 20. The holding device according to claims 18 or 19,characterized in that said blocking element (87) is longitudinallymovable inside said basic elements (81).
 21. The holding deviceaccording to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that said basicelements constitute a bent metal member (2, 81) and/or a moulded plasticmember (51).
 22. The holding device according to one of claims 1 to 21,characterized in that said holding device (50) comprises additionalelements (52) which are formed for receiving (58) cutlery and/or kitchentools, particularly paring knives or openers.